Here’s a nice early 1937 vintage Selmer Balanced Action tenor sax, serial number 24741. This is an early vintage Selmer Paris horn, when the company was just getting its legs under it. The BA was one of the first really popular horns Selmer made, and continues to be player favorite.
This tenor is in excellent physical condition. Like most BA’s you see these days, it was relacquered a long time ago, but this one was done extremely well. As you can see in the photos, the original engraving remains crisp, evidence that the horn was minimally buffed during the relacquering. Even the finest detail in the lake scene on the bell is perfect. The horn has just a couple minor pings but no major dents. It has had a couple modifications and improvements made, including a more comfortable octave key thumb rest and a small piece added to the octave key to give you a better feel.
Pads are all in great shape, with brown plastic resonators. They look to be just a couple years old and have lots of life left in them. The sax does not have its original neck, but does come with a good replacement that matches well with the instrument.
Players are drawn to the BA because of its response and character. It has the same “Selmer core sound”, but plays with more spread than the traditionally more focused Mark VI and newer horns. It really takes your air well and is very free blowing. A dynamic tenor for sure.
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